Bostick and his wife, Penny, served the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon church from 1979 to 1986. Bostick was later assigned as pastor to Tuscaloosa First United Methodist, Huntsville First United Methodist and as Florence District Superintendent and Decatur District Superintendent. Bostick retired in 2006 but continued to serve full-time in a pastoral role at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church until last year.

"Bill Bostick is known for his preaching and leadership skills," Wallace-Padgett said. "He will be an asset to the church. Please be in prayer for Bill and Penny Bostick as they return to the Gardendale–Mt. Vernon church to offer leadership and guidance at this important time."

The congregation has been shaken by the murder and attempted murder charges against Greer, 54, who Gardendale police said shot his wife, Lisa Greer, 52, to death. Greer also shot and injured his daughter, Suzanna, 18, who took the gun from him in the church-owned parsonage and went to a neighbor for help, police said. Greer took a knife and stabbed himself in the neck and chest before police restrained him. He is recovering under police guard.

Suzanna was released from the hospital and appeared to be in good health at her mother's funeral in Scottsboro on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

The worship pastor at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon, Joel Kent Hodges, 31, was arrested Dec. 28 for soliciting a child under 16 for sex and traveling to meet a child for sex. He posted bonds of $30,000 on the first charge and $60,000 on the second and was released Dec. 31, according to Jefferson County Jail officials. The church announced his termination from the staff after the arrest.